Temple Israel (Charlotte, North Carolina)
Temple Israel located in Charlotte, North Carolina is a large, urban synagogue located in the Shalom Park district of South Charlotte. As one of two major synagogues in the inner-city of Charlotte, it serves more than 650 member families. As of 2011, the senior rabbi is Murray Ezring and the cantor is Elias Roochvarg.
History
With the great wave of immigration of Jews from Eastern Europe occurring in the late 19th century, new settlers came to Charlotte. This group also was deeply religious and brought with them their own customs and attitudes. In September 1895, these new citizens organized the first formal Jewish congregation of the city of Charlotte. This congregation was the forerunner of what is now Temple Israel. They called themselves Agudath Achim, Hebrew United Brotherhood. The group was headed by Harris Miller, Benjamin Silverstein, and Mr. C. Lubin.
By 1915, now "Temple Israel" had constructed its first building and the number of families grew to more than 100. Two minyans existed at the Temple, one Orthodox and one Conservative. Eventually, the younger members persuaded the congregation to adopt a stance of worship leading more toward "conservatism." This gave way to mixed seating and more use of English in the service.
By 1949, Temple Israel had outgrown its building on Seventh Street and relocated to the Dilworth neighborhood of South Charlotte. By 1955, Temple Israel boasted the largest membership of any Jewish congregation in the Carolinas with more than 350 member families. In 1985, the synagogue adopted an egalitarian policy for worship, granting women full rights at services to read from the Torah, lead song, and lead prayer.
In 1991, Temple Israel broke ground in Shalom Park of South Charlotte and began construction on its current building. 1992 marked the completion of the congregation's third new building, and in 1994 current rabbi Murray Ezring became Temple Israel's 19th senior rabbi. In summer of 2013, Temple Israel's Board of Directors voted to leave the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, marking the first departure from the movement in the history of the congregation. As such, Congregation Kehillat Charlotte now exists as the city's sole Conservative congregation.
Affiliates
In serving the greater Charlotte metropolitan area, Congregation Emanuel (Statesville, North Carolina) is affiliated with Temple Israel. This congregation is without full-time clergy, so Temple Israel provides rabbinic leadership, monetary support, and resources to help support this congregation.
Notable Clergy
Cantor Frank Birnbaum served the congregation from 1977 until his retirement in 1990. Known for his famous song-writing and vocal ability, the Annual Cantor's Concert is named in his honor.